04/09/2009: "No Action On Housing Element -Yet."

No action was taken Tuesday work session by the County Council to adopting the revised Housing Element to the Comprehensive Plan, but they did schedule another work session for Monday May 18.

One of the reasons for another work session is the need for more answers to a large number of questions council members have asked about the proposed changes, and the difficulty the Council is having in deciding if they want to create a housing authority for San Juan County, and if so, shall also create a dedicated funding source for it. ( Related Story )

In prior discussions on creating a housing authority, Council member’s Gene Knapp and Rich Peterson express concerns about starting a housing authority for the county

At the Tuesday work session they both said many of their concerns have been addressed as they learned more about it, and are now more comfortable with the idea of having one -as long as they retained control of it. Council Member Richard Fralick said the Housing Element should include a statement that voter approval would be required for any a tax levy that would fund a housing authority.

Council Chair Rich Peterson said the question of funding for a housing authority needs to be a addressed in a second work session. The draft proposal includes language that states there will be a funding source. Council member Lovel Pratt suggested a housing authority could be created, and then funding for it could be discussed at a later time.

Council member Richard Fralick said the revision could go forward without creating a housing authority. CD&P Director Ron Hendrickson agreed with Fralick, added that the county is not required by GMA to provide housing, only to “encourage housing, provide for the opportunity for housing.”

Hendrickson said he was comfortable that the County would be compliant with GMA regulations as long as they produce a study of housing. The important thing is to not do anything to discourage it.

Peterson said the county government is not producing affordable housing, but county policy is such that it is being constructed. Hendrickson said “have to create a climate in which housing is developed to meet the housing needs that are identified.” He added that the county needs study, “we have a very high need.” But there has not been enough housing created at this time to satisfy the projected needs

Hendrickson informed the council that CD&P had applied for a grant to for Smart Growth evaluation, but even if they do not get it, they will do a study on changing regulations to encourage Smart Growth for the sub-area plans. Peterson said he was supportive of creating addressing multi-family development.

Another issue that will need some additional attention if Council member Bob Myhr has his way, is the current policy of allowing clustered housing for affordable housing in rural areas. Myhr has complained in the past, and again several times at the Tuesday work session, that clustering is not in accord with County policies, and philosophy, to maintain a rural look in rural areas. Myhr said he was in favor of clustering in the urban growth areas, but not in the rural areas.

The Council workshop on Housing Authorities will be held on Monday May 18 beginning at 1 p.m. The final public hearing �" was postponed until 2:30 p.m. on June 9th so the ordinance will be available in its final form prior to the hearing.

Note: A Video of the April 7 discussion will be posted on the County website at www.sanjuanco.com/council/video.aspx by no later than Friday, April 10